Can any of my medications be discontinued now that I’ve had my heart valve replaced?
Aspirin, no. The other meds are probably given for a reason other than the one that led to the AVR....
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Can a pacemaker cause some temporarily negative effect in left ventricular output?
From your description you have a biventricular pacemaker. You mentioned a coronary sinus lead which implies 3 leads and a...
Does ejection fraction (EF) vary depending upon altitude?
The ejection fraction measured at 5000 feet should not be different than when measured at sea level.
What is a false cord, and should it be repaired (tricuspid valve)?
Beth, Sorry to hear about the rude doctor! A few bad apples can give us all a bad name. A...
I have a small perforation of the mitral valve leaflet. Can I exercise?
It is unusual to have a perforation of the mitral valve anterior leaflet without a history of endocarditis. If the...
Can the aortic and mitral valves both be replaced at the same procedure via the TAVR approach?
At present, the only indicated procedure for TAVR is aortic valve replacement in high risk patients. Very rarely have both...
When does constrictive pericarditis warrant surgery?
Constrictive pericarditis will lead to permanent heart failure and death. From the thickness of the pericardium, yours is an advanced...
Is an aneurysmal interatrial septum similar to other aneurysms in the body?
The interatrial septum is the thin wall that separates the upper atrial cavities of heart. When it appears elongated and...
What effect will my teeth (cavities) have on my heart valve surgery?
This issue needs to be discussed with your cardiologist immediately and before the valve surgery. For simple cavities there is...
Our father died of cardiomyopathy. Could this be hereditary / a concern for my sister and me?
Michelle, There are multiple causes for cardiomyopathy which is a term that cardiologists use to denote disease of the heart...
Do you think Diastolic Dysfunction stage 1 is over diagnosed?
Dear Rich: While I agree with the statement that Grade 1 diastolic dysfunction is over-labeling, it will never be removed...
How can I help my daughter with her high blood pressure? She has had it since age 12.
Dear Mrs. Flowers, The most common form of hypertension (high blood pressure) is hereditary. Efforts are directed towards keeping the...
